"Prachin Bharat aur aadhunik yug ke beech setu ka kaam karta hai Antarrashtriya Yog Diwas," (International Yoga Day acts as a bridge between ancient India and the modern world), she told reporters at the Lal Parade Ground after leading a large number of participants.

The HRD Minister was deputed to Bhopal to lead a programme on the International Yoga Day, being celebrated worldwide today. She also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his efforts in this field.

Irani congratulated the Madhya Pradesh government for successfully organising the event. State Home minister Babulal Gaur, who also took part in the exercise with a fractured leg, said he has been doing yoga and reciting Bhagwad Gita for long now and both are part of his daily routine.

On the issue of opposition by a section of minority community on reciting the word "Om" while practising yoga, Gaur supported the views expressed by Baba Ramdev that those who are opposing it should pronounce "Aameen" while doing asans, which is beneficial to everyone from the health point of view.

Union Steel and Mines Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and Union Minister of State for Textiles Santosh Gangwar led participants at Yoga Day celebrations in Gwalior and Jabalpur divisional headquarters, respectively. The day was observed at all the district headquarters of the state.